An Post, appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, is the sole agent for the sale of TV Licences to the public. An Post maintains a database of both licenced and unlicenced addresses which is checked and updated regularly.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) pays for TV Licences for a percentage of its clients who qualify for the "Free" TV Licence.

Licence revenue from both of these bodies is paid to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR). DCENR then makes a grant-in-aid of the appropriate amount to RTÉ.

RTÉ is not the recipient of all Licence Fee money. Approximately 7% of licence revenue goes to the BCI Broadcasting Fund. Revenue from this fund can be applied for by independent producers / broadcasters for specific projects of a public service nature. In addition, An Post is paid for providing collection and enforcement services.

The majority of RTÉ’s activities are of a public service nature. The cost of providing these services, however, exceeds the amount of licence fee revenue which RTÉ receives. As a result, RTÉ engages in commercial activities to bridge the funding gap.

In Ireland, around 99% of households have a television. An Post is responsible for maintaining a database containing records of every premises which should have a TV licence. This database is regularly updated to include new buildings. If you do not have a current TV licence, you should expect a visit from a TV licence inspector. If an unlicenced set is found, a prosecution will follow which could result in a fine of €1,000 for a first offence or €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence. An Post collects TV Licence fees on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.Back to top

In announcing the Government approval of an increased TV Licence Fee, December 2002, Minister Dermot Ahern stated: "RTÉ will be able to seek annual increases up to the level of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). All future licence fee changes will be subject to the strict monitoring of performance against financial, management and programming targets."

Let An Post know your new address so that your TV licence can be transferred. Alternatively you can update your details yourself online at www.tvlicence.ie. If your address is not that which appears on the licence then you are deemed to be unlicenced and may be liable for prosecution.